Qianggong Zhang

Dr Qianggong Zhang is a Senior Climate Change and Environment Specialist, and Head of the Climate and Environmental Risks Unit at ICIMOD, a position he has held since February 2025. He joined ICIMOD with extensive experience in high mountain research, focusing on paleo-climatic records, atmospheric pollution, biogeochemical cycling, and the impacts of cryospheric changes on water resources and ecosystems. Zhang obtained his PhD in physical geographical science from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Beijing in 2009 and has been a full-time professor since 2019.

His previous career highlights include leading several national and international major research projects and managing large-scale, multidisciplinary initiatives. He was a key member and project coordinator of the “Anthropogenic Activity and Environmental Safety” task within the Second Tibetan Plateau Expedition and Research, involving over 700 researchers. Zhang has published more than 200 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. He currently serves as the Secretary-General of the Chinese National Committee for the International Association of Cryospheric Sciences and a commissioner of the China Association for Science and Technology Working Group for UN Environment Consultation. He has also led the Youth Working Committee within the China Society of Cryospheric Science, fostering collaboration among young researchers. Zhang is a Chinese national and has extensive international experience, including academic training and visits to Canada, France, Nepal, Switzerland, the US,  and other countries.